Heath Literacy

Heath Literacy, K-6 Reading Program

Project: Heath Literacy, Images

Publisher: DC Heath & Company (now Houghton Mifflin)

My Role: Book editor for grade 4 Images theme books and grade 6 ESL program

From science to social studies, Images provides a rich variety of theme-related reading — fiction, nonfiction
(expository and narrative) and poetry. Designed in a kid-friendly magazine format, every Images theme unit is packed with reading selections and cross-curricular theme-related activities. Big Questions provide a framework to focus classroom discussion, and a final project helps to synthesize students' discoveries. These flexible units can be used across grade levels and be completed in as little or as much time as you'd like.

Comments: The non-fiction articles on diverse topics have real motivational power for students. It's inspiring for them to read about other kids who are making a difference in the world and to see themselves in what they read. Information is accessible — there's something to catch each child's eye and draw him or her into the theme exploration.

Paula's Reflections: As book editor I researched, selected, and outlined all of the content and freelance writers wrote the content according to my outlines. Each theme magazine integrates science, the arts, social studies and math concepts. Deep Down Underground, for example, explored topics ranging from spelunking to the secret world of the snar-nosed mole to futuristic underground cities. Get the Word Out examined many aspects of communication from speaking up for a cause to using assistive technology to communicate one's thoughts and ideas. This was an amazing program that the whole reading team enjoyed developing! Thanks to Tina Miller, Director of the Reading Department, for her creativity and innovation!

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